Life in PR can be a bit of a rollercoaster, so what better place for Skout’s annual offsite than Alton Towers? Last month, we swapped our office for the theme park and two jam-packed days of strategy, team bonding and adrenaline-fuelled fun.
Day one: Strategy with a side of pastries and coffee
Our first day saw the team settle into a rollercoaster-themed conference room, armed with plenty of coffee and an impressive spread of baked goods. Between sugar rushes, we reflected on the past year’s achievements and mapped out our journey ahead.
The highlight? Unveiling our strategic vision that puts our people front and centre. We’ve always believed that happy people create brilliant work, and this philosophy remains at the core of everything we do. Our focus on creating a supportive, data-driven work environment isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about enabling each team member to exceed expectations, work in their joy and grow both personally and professionally.
The day wasn’t all serious chat, though. We tackled some challenging role-play scenarios that tested our ability to think on our feet and adapt to different client situations. These exercises weren’t just good fun, they were valuable reminders of the importance of flexibility and creative thinking in our day-to-day work.
It was also the perfect opportunity to welcome our newest team member, Tom. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end – joining Skout and heading straight to Alton Towers in your first week! The offsite gave Tom the chance to really get to know the agency and his colleagues away from the usual office environment.
Day two: Facing fears and feeling queasy
After a day of strategy and planning, it was time for the main event – Alton Towers in all its glory! Our leadership team gave everyone the full day to enjoy the park, and we certainly made the most of it.
Most of us braved The Smiler, though some weren’t exactly smiling after being flung upside down repeatedly! Oblivion and Wicker Man were also big hits, while the haunted train ride provided a different kind of thrill. Not everyone was keen on the more extreme rides, though, especially those who found their limit pretty quickly – mentioning no names (Tom!) – with some sensibly opting for the softer rides instead.
We regrouped for lunch once any queasiness had subsided, before heading back for more afternoon thrills in the park. The glorious Staffordshire sunshine also contributed to a perfect day out.
More than just fun and games
While the rides and attractions were undoubtedly brilliant, the real value of our offsite came from the time spent together as a team. Away from client calls and deadlines, we had the space to connect, collaborate and really get to know each other.
These two days weren’t just about having fun (though we certainly did plenty of that). They were about strengthening our team bonds, welcoming a new member, and reinforcing the values that make Skout special. After all, the relationships we build within our team directly impact the work we deliver for our clients.
As we returned to our desks the following week – perhaps with a few theme park-induced aches and pains – we brought back not just memories of rollercoasters and sunshine, but a renewed sense of purpose and team spirit.
Until next year’s adventure!
